A/N: Welcome back my dear readers! I hope you enjoy this next installment of Bellatrix and Hermione featuring Minerva. As a heads up, the next chapter may be delayed depending on whether I have WiFi in the coming days but it is coming to a computer/phone screen near you. I'll post the next chapter as soon as I'm able once it's finished and I have a stable connection.

In honor of all of you, I am toying with the idea of a collection of one-shots inspired by you, my dear readers. If you have anything in mind feel free to send it my way and I'll start compiling and writing. Thanks for all your support!

And if I show you my dark side
Will you still hold me tonight?
And if I open my heart to you
And show you my weak side
What would you do?

-Pink Floyd, The Final Cut

Bellatrix felt like she was floating, barely aware of a presence at her side. It melted into her, blurring the line between herself and whoever it was. To her surprise, she could actually breathe and feel her fingers and toes. She wasn't sure how it was possible, was sure she had drowned in the Black Lake, but here she was, within the depths of her own mind. She was clearly still very much alive, for whatever reason. She could only suppose Hermione had been able to get to her in time. That meant that Hermione had also survived, and she felt a pang of happiness flow through her at the thought. Bellatrix let her train of thought fade, growing bored and tired. She decided not to question it, didn't want to anymore. The heaviness of her body hit her, and she drifted back into unconsciousness.

Minerva paced her office slowly, going over the events that had taken place. She had been right to reassure Hermione of her safety, even though she hadn't been entirely sure the raven was Bellatrix. She meant it too, she would do whatever she could to protect Hermione, and by proxy, Bellatrix. Minerva found it didn't bother her as much as it should've. Bellatrix had done horrible things, to Hermione no less, but even when she was a student, she had always been a little misguided. Things had never been easy for Bellatrix, and so she had always given in to darker tendencies to escape, but Minerva saw a change in that. Bellatrix protected only those she considered family, always had, and even though it slightly disturbed Minerva, she would not deny the fact that Bellatrix had protected Hermione. She had even, for whatever reason, accompanied Hermione to the Muggle world, and Minerva suspected was the major cause of Hermione's happiness the day they returned. So, as much as it baffled and ate at her, Minerva would keep Bellatrix's presence from Kingsley unless it became necessary. That didn't mean she wouldn't have to attempt to put some rules in place.

Hermione dreamt of darkness, unrelenting darkness that seemed to choke the life out of everything around her. She was not immune to its effects, either. It was a consuming darkness that threatened to extinguish the little light she had left. Hermione wasn't sure if she cared. Now that she had rested and knew Bellatrix would be okay, she could only feel rage. Rage toward the student that had thought to cast a spell rather than think for themselves about whether any danger was even present. She could feel it growing inside her, a darkness she had known only once before. She didn't fight it, let it latch onto her soul. Unlike last time, she would not ignore it. The darkness would only come back, no matter how hard she denied it. Rather than fight against it, Hermione decided to embrace it. She was not afraid of it anymore, Bellatrix had shown her how to control it. Hermione would take the darkness and bend it to her will, making it into whatever she wanted it to be. Rising from the bed, Hermione dressed, readying herself for class. She would teach her students a new kind of lesson today.

Hermione strode into the Great Hall for breakfast. Since the school year had started, her attendance at meals had been sporadic. Lately, she had taken to eating in her room. She felt bare without Bellatrix on her shoulder, but she ignored the semi-surprised glances as she made her way to the teacher's table. The other teachers watched her curiously but knew better than to attempt a conversation with her. Hermione picked at her food, doing her best to ignore everything. She could feel the phantom pecking of Bellatrix reminding her to eat when she started to get lost in her thoughts. Hermione focused on that feeling as she let her mind wander the room, feeling the magic in the air. It wasn't as magnetic as Bellatrix's had been, the magic of everyone in the Great Hall didn't threaten to swallow her up and consume her. Only Bellatrix ever made her feel like that.

The students whispered amongst themselves, having already decided that they would all be on their best behavior when Hermione was around. They didn't dare misbehave, especially since one of them had injured her raven and she didn't have a clue who that was. They were terrified of breaking the relative peacefulness she seemed to have, and they didn't want to do anything to disrupt it. Normally, any meal in the Great Hall was rambunctious and far from peaceful, but today would be an exception.

"The best defense is a great offense. True or false?" Hermione addressed the class once they had settled down.

"True!" A few of the Quidditch players answered.

"Neither," Hermione stated bluntly, "Every situation is unique and requires careful consideration before you act. Until you know the intention of the other, you must prepare yourself to attack or defend as necessary. Attacking before making sure there is a danger is irresponsible. Being the first to attack gives you an edge, yes, but only when you know the other is hostile. That being said, I'd like you all to follow me, and anyone who draws their wand before I do will receive detention and reduced house points."

Hermione led her students out of the classroom and onto the grounds. They followed dutifully, nervous as to the lesson they were learning today. Hermione stopped between the Forbidden Forest and the Black Lake, waiting for her students to catch up.

"Professor, surely we aren't going in there?" One student asked, pointing to the Forbidden Forest.

"As a matter of fact, we are. Stay close to me and no harm will come to you, I promise. Defense Against the Dark Arts is more than knowing spells. It is about knowing when to attack and when to defend. When the moment to strike is right, exploit it, and if not, wait until you can. Attacking first does not guarantee success, and allows an experienced enemy to spot weaknesses. Remember not to draw your wand unless I instruct you to do so."

Hermione turned away from her students, leading them beyond the treeline. It was months ago that she had stood at the edge of the trees, ready to step into Bellatrix's grasp. She hadn't known at the time, but it explained the pull she felt. The dark witch drew her in and held her close, never letting her escape. Not that she wanted to, of course. The twisted comfort Bellatrix provided was better than anything she could have wanted. Hermione reigned in her thoughts, focusing on her surroundings. She had students to protect, even though she was half tempted to let the dark creatures lurking in the periphery snatch them up and devour them. A small smile appeared on her face at the gruesome thought. It wouldn't advance the plan, would probably hinder it, actually. Hermione didn't look back to make sure her students were following, she knew they were too afraid to stray from her. She also knew that they weren't in danger even from the dark creatures. They were hardly active during the day, and even then her own darkness was enough to keep them away. The lack of Bellatrix on her shoulder did make her feel cold and empty, but she was capable of making it through at least one day.

The path through the Forbidden Forest was clear, at least, it was to Hermione. Her students had more trouble than she did, occasionally stumbling or finding undergrowth in their path. Hermione supposed her newly accepted darkness offered her more protection from the seemingly sentient forest. She was content to be lost in it, wandering through the maze of trees and growth.

The students followed the path Hermione created obediently, but not without their trepidation. They were unnerved by the casual ease with which their professor wove through the trees, her posture too relaxed for such a threatening environment. If they were being honest, their professor terrified them. They hadn't expected someone of her reputation to be so...flat. They were naive to the ways of war, didn't see the gray that surrounded the world. They were too young to see past light and dark, good and bad. They had thought she was a hero, were thrilled when they first heard the news that Hermione Granger, the sole survivor of the Golden Trio, would be teaching them Defense Against the Dark Arts. Who better than the girl that survived torture at the hands of one of the most notorious witches in the world?

Hermione stopped abruptly, her head cocked to the side as she listened, trying to identify the source of the sound she had heard. Her students, thank Merlin, were blessedly silent, even if they were almost shaking with fear. Hermione made no move for her wand, and they struggled to do the same. They didn't understand how she could be so calm, surely they were about to be ripped to shreds. Hermione let her magic out into the air, using it to get a better picture of her surroundings. Her magic brushed against something familiar, and she knew there was no present danger. She deftly moved through the trees, leading her students closer to it. She hoped it would scare them just a little more. Hermione smiled as the familiar face of Bellatrix, in her raven form, of course, alighted from a tree and landed almost lovingly on her outstretched arm. Her students flinched at the sudden movement but resisted the urge to draw their wands.

"Glad to see you're feeling better," Hermione whispered, "though I think you nearly made a few of my students piss themselves."

In response, Bellatrix rubbed her feathered head against Hermione's cheek, scratching her slightly with her beak.

Hermione turned her attention to her students, her face a mask of cold neutrality, "So, you see that there was no danger present, but had you drawn your wand and senselessly attacked, you would have created two enemies needlessly. Even when you are terrified, and you feel your doom is near, stay your wand, because you may be among allies. The danger you create may be worse than the danger you face. It is not about winning, it is about survival."

Hermione's students breathed heavy sighs of relief. They recognized the end of class, Hermione always made it clear, even when it wasn't explicitly stated. They followed her through the trees once more, closer to where they entered than they had thought. The tension was erased from them as they stepped away from the forest, grateful to be out of the oppressive atmosphere. They didn't run, but they didn't linger, ready to be back in the warm, inviting castle.

"Minerva knows," Hermione stated plainly once her students were out of earshot. Bellatrix narrowed her eyes accusingly, digging her sharp talons into Hermione's soft flesh.

"She said she'll protect us."

Bellatrix tilted her head thoughtfully, considering the idea of their unlikely protector. She wasn't entirely surprised, the witch cared for Hermione a great deal. It wasn't ideal, sure, but there were benefits to it. As long as neither of them was suspicious in their actions and movements, they would be safe. Perhaps Bellatrix might actually be able to assume her human form more often, though only around Minerva. Still, it was better than nothing. She might even be able to teach Hermione more.

Hermione trudged back to the castle, intending to teach all her classes in a similar manner. She took a great deal of satisfaction from her students' terror and knew Bellatrix did too. Besides, it would be a good introduction to dueling. Assessing the opponent and finding their weaknesses was crucial to victory, but in the real world, it meant survival, and she was nothing if not a survivor.

Minerva knocked on the door to Hermione's office, patiently waiting for the quiet permission to enter. When it came, she opened the door, stepping slowly inside. The space was just as she had expected, a bit messy but overall organized. She was glad to see that Hermione had maintained even a small attribute from before the war. For whatever reason, the sight of Hermione's office brought a smile to her face. Hermione was behind the desk, attention on what appeared to be an essay. Polaris-or Bellatrix, she supposed-was perched on her shoulder, seemingly reading along. Hermione had yet to look up, probably expecting a student to have been the one to knock. Minerva found she didn't mind waiting for the young witch's attention. It was a nice change to see her so content and not as alone as Minerva had originally thought. Hermione had never been a very social person and had struggled with relating to her peers. For whatever reason, Bellatrix had given Hermione companionship when she had none. It was a little odd and unexpected, but life tended to be like that.

"Minerva, I'm sorry. I didn't realize it was you, I thought it was a student. Please, sit," Hermione said, finally looking up from the essay-if you could call it that-she was grading.

"Don't worry, I haven't been waiting long. Besides, it's nice to see you working." Minerva sat across from Hermione, closely watched by Hermione and Bellatrix. "I just wanted to discuss some rules I feel are necessary. It would be helpful if you would assume your human form, but you don't have to."

Bellatrix considered Minerva for a moment, her head tilted in thought. After some internal deliberation, she decided she'd rather not be a bloody fucking bird if she had the opportunity not to.

"I will not tell Kingsley of your presence, though he does suspect it. In return, you will not endanger my students. I know it is pointless to ask you not to taunt them, so I won't, but if I feel that you have become a danger to anyone residing in this school I will inform him. In light of the...circumstances, Hermione, you may leave each weekend as long as your teaching duties are met. As Bellatrix will be accompanying you, there is no need for you to use my floo, but you may if you'd prefer. As unwise as it sounds, I trust you, Bellatrix, to keep her safe."

Bellatrix studied Minerva while she spoke, looking for any sign of deception. She was slightly surprised when there wasn't a trace. She hadn't expected Minerva to keep her identity a secret from even Kingsley, but she was grateful for it, and the relative freedom Minerva was offering. Even though she had no idea of what they were working toward, as long as they played nice and didn't cause trouble they would be fine. She could do that, she supposed. It meant she didn't have to worry about hiding as much.

"I will," Bellatrix said, looking toward Hermione, "I'll keep her safe."

Minerva nodded, satisfied with the way the conversation went. It was strange to see Bellatrix so much more like her old self than the insane Death Eater she had become. It gave Minerva hope that Hermione was being healed as much as Bellatrix was. It even brought a small bit of hope that her decision was sane and not entirely unwise. Given what she knew about both Hermione and Bellatrix, she felt confident in her decision, but Bellatrix had always been on the more troublesome side of things and she hoped it wouldn't influence Hermione too much.